7 Best Follow Me Drones in 2023

Here´s the deal:

Follow me drones are perfect when you want to get action footage of yourself skiing, cycling, snowboarding, running or even surfing.

But:

Many don´t perform very well, are difficult to control and shoot low-quality footage.

So our experts compiled a list of 7 Outstanding Follow Me Drones that we are sure will live up to your expectations, whether you are a beginner, an experienced drone user, or a full-fledged pro.

Our Favorite Drones That Follow You:

Drone with Follow Mode	Our Score	Price	Camera	Flight Time	Obstacle Avoidance While Following
DJI Air 2S	Best Buy 2023		1-Inch CMOS Sensor 5.4K Video	31 min	Yes
DJI Mini 3 PRO	Best Mid-Range Choice		48 MP Photo 4K/60 fps Video	34 min	Yes
DJI Mavic 3 Classic	Best Pro Choice		5.1K video 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad Camera	46 min	Yes
Holy Stone HS710	Best Budget Choice		4K Camera	25 min	No
SYMA X500 4K	Budget Runner Up		4K UHD Camera	20 min	No

Scroll down for more drones with follow me mode.

What To Look For In A Drone That Follows You

When looking for an auto follow drone, there are several key features to consider. These features will ensure that you get the best experience possible while keeping you and your drone safe.

Flight Time

First, consider flight time. The longer the drone can stay in the air, the better. A drone with short flight time will limit your activities. Look for a drone with at least 30 minutes of flight time. This will give you more freedom.

Camera

Next, consider the camera quality. 4K video is the gold standard now. It gives crisp, high-resolution footage. A drone with a 4K camera is capable of capturing breathtaking images. It’s an important feature for any drone, and especially a drone that follows you.

Obstacle Sensing

Obstacle avoidance is a vital safety feature. It prevents crashes and accidents. Drones with obstacle avoidance sensors can detect things in their path. They can navigate safely around them. Don’t overlook this feature, it’s important for a safe and smooth flight.

Follow Me Technology

Follow Me technology is the heart of a following drone. It allows the drone to track you automatically. You can move freely while the drone films.

The drones we cover use either GPS tracking or ActiveTrack. What is the difference? Read on.

What is Follow Me Mode?

Follow Me mode allows the drone to follow a selected object or person autonomously without the need for manual control. This feature is accomplished through the use of object detection, controller follow, or GPS/GLONASS follow.

Auto follow works by making use of GPS/GLONASS to track the drone’s location and the location of the selected object. The drone then uses this information to calculate its flight path and speed to follow the object. Some drones also use object detection technology (ActiveTrack) to track the selected object and adjust the drone’s flight path accordingly.

Active Track (Recognition Technology) vs GPS Tracking

Let’s talk about Active Track and GPS tracking in follow me drones. ActiveTrack uses advanced camera recognition technology to identify and track subjects. Using this it can follow them in real time.

With ActiveTrack, the drone will automatically adjust its speed and direction to follow the subject, making it perfect for action sports like skiing, cycling, and mountain biking.

On the other hand, GPS tracking uses GPS signals. It follows a GPS device that you have. But it does not track subjects. It only follows the GPS signal. It’s simpler but less adaptable. It’s not as good at following quick or unpredictable movements.

In summary, Active Track offers more dynamic tracking. It’s more sophisticated. But GPS tracking is simpler and sometimes more consistent.

Reviews of the 7 Best Follow Me Drones in 2023

DJI Air 2S – Best Buy 2023

Specs

Flight Time: 31 min

Camera: 1-Inch CMOS Sensor 5.4K Video

Follow Me Technology: ActiveTrack 4.0

Obstacle Sensing: 4 directions

The DJI Air 2S is a powerful and feature-packed drone that I highly recommend for creators on the go.

What I love when flying the AIR 2S is that it is pretty forgiving. You don’t have to be an expert to get great shots with it, as it has many tools that help you get great footage.

Pros

• Impressive 5.4K video and 1-inch sensor
• Advanced autonomous functions (MasterShots)
• Compact and lightweight design

Cons

• It does not have obstacle sensors on the sides
• Batteries can drain quickly during heavy use
• FocusTrack limitations with specific video resolutions

The 1-inch image sensor and large 2.4μm pixels in the DJI Air 2S really give you very clear and vivid images.

Not quite a professional-level drone, but this is the best mid-range choice you will get in 2023.

It is perfect for traveling creators since it weighs less than 21 oz. and doesn’t take up much space in a backpack.

With Spotlight 2.0, ActiveTrack 4.0, and Point of Interest 3.0, it’s challenging for the DJI Air 2S to lose sight of a subject, making it perfect for action-packed scenes or easy circling around a point of interest.

As always, stack up with extra batteries and they may drain faster than you expect, especially in winds. 

One downside I quickly noticed is the lack of obstacle sensors on the sides, which can put the drone at risk when it’s moving sideways.

Still, this is one of my favorite drones of all time and I have been flying it for around 8 months now. It is also a drone I recommend for both first-time users (if they have the budget for it) and more experienced users.

How does it stack up to its predecessor, the Mavic Air?

The DJI Mavic Air 2S outshines the Mavic Air 1 in “follow me” drone capabilities primarily due to its superior camera, flight time and specific “Follow me” flight modes.

The Air 2S’s high-resolution image capture and dedicated follow-me features make it a better choice for someone who wants a drone to accurately track and follow their movements.

How does the Air 2S compare to DJI Mini 3 Pro?

The DJI Air 2S is the larger drone, with dimensions of 183×253×77 when unfolded. This size allows it to house a more powerful system and enables its superior performance in terms of speed and signal range.

It also has a more robust tracking system and obstacle avoidance, with forward, backward, upward, downward, and lateral sensing capabilities.

However, due to its size and weight (595 g), the Air 2S needs to be registered with aviation authorities in many countries.

On the other hand, the DJI Mini 3 Pro is a more compact and budget-friendly option. It folds up to a smaller size, making it more portable and convenient for travel. The Mini 3 Pro may be smaller, but its performance is impressive.

It has a slightly better flight time than the Air 2S, with a maximum of 34 minutes compared to the Air 2S’s 31 minutes. It also features obstacle sensing, but not as advanced as in the Air 2S.

In conclusion: the Air 2S is more suitable for those who prioritize performance and advanced features.

The Mini 3 Pro is a great choice for hobbyists or those who value portability and cost-effectiveness.

Feature	DJI Air 2S	DJI Mini 3 Pro
Size (unfolded)	183×253×77 mm	Smaller, more portable
Weight	595 g	249 g
Registration	Required	Not required
Maximum Speed	19 m/s	16 m/s
Maximum Transmission Distance	8-12 km	8-12 km
Obstacle Sensing	Yes	Yes
Flight Time	31 minutes	34 minutes
Camera Sensor	1” CMOS, 20 MP	1/1.3-inch CMOS 48 MP
Maximum Video Resolution	5.4K at 30 fps	4K at 60 fps
Price	More expensive	More affordable

For more detailed specifications and comparisons, you can visit the DJI official comparison page.

SYMA X500 4K with UHD Camera – Best Budget Follow Me Drone

Specs

Flight Time: 20 min

Camera: 4K UHD

Follow Me Technology: GPS

Obstacle Sensing: None

The SYMA X500 is a fun budget choice for both beginners and experienced pilots.

It has user-friendly features and excellent flight time for the price.

Pros

• Extended flight time with 2 batteries
• 4K UHD Camera with adjustable angle

Cons

• Possible balancing issues during hover
• Requires Wi-Fi connection for optimal experience
• Uses GPS tracking for the follow me mode

I had a chance to test fly the SYMA X500, and what impressed me the most was the flight time, really impressive for such a cheap drone.

The drone comes with two batteries, providing up to 56 minutes of flight time.

The 4K UHD camera has a 120° field of view and a 90° vertical gimble movement, but if you want good footage I recommend you to only fly when there is no wind. 

However, I did notice a slight issue with balancing while hovering, as the drone tended to drift occasionally. I couldn’t find any manual adjustments to correct this issue, but it wasn’t a deal-breaker for me.

The SYMA X500 4K Drone met my expectations of a budget follow me drone. It’s an excellent option for those looking to enter the world of aerial photography or just have some fun flying around.

Holy Stone HS710 – Runner Up, Best Budget Choice

Specs

Flight Time: 25 min

Camera: 4K

Follow Me Technology: GPS

Obstacle Sensing: None

The Holy Stone HS710 is a fun little flyer for beginners and enthusiasts alike.

It is very affordable and has a decent-quality camera, intelligent flight features, and is easy to use.

I did find it to be a little shaky when I did my test flight. The video still came out pretty good, and it was easy and fun to fly.

Pros

• 4K camera with 5G FPV transmission
• Multiple GPS functions and intelligent flight features
• Easy to fly with altitude hold and one key take off and landing

Cons

• A bit shaky
• Not suitable for professional applications
• Battery life could be improved

The Holy Stone HS710 has a 4k camera with a wide-angle lens, a 5GHz FPV transmission, and a remote-controlled 90° adjustable structure to help capture aerial photos and videos.

It has some nice features for its price point, like altitude hold, one key take-off and landing, and advanced GPS functions like Follow Me.

Keep in mind though, this drone is not designed for professional applications.

Wind resistance could be improved, it is a bit tricky to fly in windy conditions. 

However, with its lightweight design, ease of use, and affordability  I feel that the Holy Stone HS710 is a bargain for anyone looking to purchase a quality follow me drone.

DJI Mavic 3 Pro with DJI RC – Best Pro Follow Me Drone

Specs

Flight Time: 43-minute max flight time

Camera: Hasselblad 4/3 CMOS

Follow Me Technology: Active Track 5.0

Obstacle Sensing: Omnidirectional obstacle sensing

The DJI Mavic 3 Pro is DJI:s latest flagship drone.

It boasts Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing and a top-of-the-line camera system.

Pros

• Hasselblad 4/3 CMOS sensor for excellent image quality
• Omnidirectional obstacle sensing and APAS 5.0 for increased safety

Cons

• ActiveTrack is unavailable in video resolutions higher than 4K
• Limited flight in extreme weather conditions
• High price point

One of my favorite features of the Mavic 3 Pro is its omnidirectional obstacle sensing and APAS 5.0. The drone has eight vision sensors that work together with a vision computing engine, making it almost impossible to crash into any obstacles.

This gave me peace of mind when I had a chance to test-fly it, especially when capturing shots in challenging environments.

One of the notable features of the Mavic 3 Pro is its impressive 43-minute max flight time.

I felt like I was flying for quite a long time and didn’t have to worry much about battery levels. 

The DJI Mavic 3 Pro is not suitable for flying in extreme weather conditions such as heavy winds, snow, rain, or fog.

This is true for almost any drone, but at this price point, it’s essential to keep this in mind if you plan on flying in challenging environments.

All in all, the outstanding image quality, safety features, and long flight time make the DJI Mavic 3 Pro a worthy investment for professional aerial photographers.

DJI Mini 3 Pro – Best Mid-Range Choice

Specs

Flight Time: 34 min

Camera: 4K/60 fps Video

Follow Me Technology: FocusTrack (Active Track 4.0)

Obstacle Sensing: Front, rear, and downward

The Mini series from DJI is one of their best-sellers. 

They are affordable and contain almost all the tech that an everyday drone enthusiast is looking for.

DJI Mini 3 Pro is no exception. Compared to its predecessor, the DJI Mini 2, it now has an improved camera and obstacle sensors.

Pros

• Built-in Geo-restrictions in DJI Fly app
• Lightweight and portable design
• 4K/60fps video and 48MP photo capabilities
• Advanced safety features, including tri-directional obstacle sensing
• Does not need registration in the US

Cons

• May struggle in windy conditions
• You cannot always trust Return To Home. Keep alert when using this feature.

Despite its lightweight and compact design the Mini 3 Pro packs lots of new tech, 4K/60fps video, and 48MP photos.

The foldable design also makes it very portable and easy to take on any adventure.

This is the first DJI Mini with obstacle sensing, unlike its predecessors, DJI Mini and DJI Mini2 which lacked this.

This has been a deciding factor for many buyers. Tri-directional obstacle sensing and APAS 4.0 will protect the drone from collisions. 

The previous DJI Mini models also lacked Active Track.

Flying the DJI Mini 3 Pro is great fun, and the quality of footage you get will most likely satisfy anybody who is not a professional.

Keep in mind though that it may struggle in windy conditions due to its lightweight design.

DJI Mavic 3 Classic

Specs

Flight Time: 46 minutes

Camera: 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad

Follow Me Technology: Active Track 5.0

Obstacle Sensing: Omnidirectional

The DJI Mavic 3 Classic is a superb choice for professionals seeking an advanced follow-me drone with top-notch camera capabilities and flight features.

Pros

• High-quality 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad camera
• Impressive 46-minute flight time
• Omnidirectional obstacle sensing

Cons

• High price point

As a professional photographer, I found the DJI Mavic 3 Classic’s camera to be an outstanding feature. The 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad camera produces sharp and professional-quality images and videos. This drone is an excellent option for capturing cinematic-quality footage in various settings.

While I appreciate the array of features, the 46-minute flight time is genuinely remarkable. This extended flight time allows for more extended shooting sessions, and with the omnidirectional obstacle sensing feature, the Mavic 3 Classic can detect and avoid obstacles during flights, ensuring a higher level of safety.

However, as fantastic as this drone might be, it comes at a high price. Although it offers substantial improvements over previous models, some users might find the cost to be too steep, especially if they’re just beginning in drone photography.

In conclusion, the DJI Mavic 3 Classic packs a punch with its top-of-the-line camera, extended flight time, and obstacle-sensing capabilities.

While it may be costly and not ideal for beginners, experienced drone pilots and professional photographers will undoubtedly appreciate the remarkable features this follow-me drone has to offer.

Drone X Pro LIMITLESS 4

I have never tried this drone but heard good things and saw fit to include it.

It is made by an American company called Drone-Clone Experts.

The Drone X Pro LIMITLESS 4 is an interesting mid-range choice for those seeking a feature-rich drone that follows with an impressive camera and obstacle avoidance capabilities.

Pros

• Great tech-support
• Simple and intuitive
• Obstacle avoidance

Cons

• Wall adapter charger not included, only a chord

The Drone X Pro LIMITLESS 4 is designed for both beginners and experienced pilots, offering an upgraded 3-mile long flight range and a 4K UHD camera.

The LIMITLESS 4 is a quality follow-me drone that provides a great blend of advanced features, good camera quality, and powerful flight capabilities. 

DJI Mini SE

Specs

Flight Time: 30 minutes

Camera: 12MP pictures, 2.7K video

Follow Me Technology: No Active Track. You need to use Litchi.

Obstacle Sensing: None

What We Like

• It weighs 249 grams, so it is easy to bring everywhere
• Packs a lot of technology into a small drone
• Does not need registration in the US
• Works well with DJI Fly App

DJI Mini SE packs a lot of punch for its size. When I first felt the drone I understood how it is possible, it feels very compact.

What I love about flying with the Mini SE is how easy it is to travel with, as it weighs only 249 grams.

I was surprised at how fast it moves in the Sport mode, which makes it extra fun to fly. Videos are best done in the smoother cinematic mode, and the quality is comparable to smartphone videos and pics.

I encountered some winds when I trialed it, and I noticed that the Mini handles wind quite well.

Although the Mini SE does not have Active Track, you can still use it in follow-me mode using Litchi.

Using the Follow Me Mode on a Drone for Sports

Keep in mind that using the Follow Me mode is usually a bit more challenging than what’s presented in ads.

GPS tracking leaves some margin for error. You should probably get started in a larger open space. Doing a few video clips and checking whether the subject is positioned centrally will give you a better idea about the accuracy and the adjustments that will have to be made.

Regardless of the fact that the drones require no control in the follow me mode, it’s still a good idea to go through the manual and make sure that you stick to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

There could be some specific adjustments to make in the beginning of the flight that will maximize accuracy and the clarity of the shots.

Altitude Follow

Using GPS Follow Me Mode, most drones stay at a set altitude, and this altitude will not change regardless of the altitude changes of the subject they follow. So if you are going downhill most drones will stay at the same height and film. If you are going uphill they might crash against the hill.

The later versions of ActiveTrack do not have that problem. You can select ActiveTrack in Profile Mode and it will trace downhill and uphill.

Active Track with Obstacle Avoidance

When you combine Active Track with Obstacle Avoidance you get magic. The drone will avoid the trees and everything in the way, and keep tracking you.

Active Track 4.0, which you can find in the Air 2S and also the new DJI Mini 3 Pro is an improvement over the old version in that it aggressively searches for you if it loses sight and tracking of you.

Active Track 3.0 vs 4.0 vs 5.0

When it comes to DJI drones, Active Track is a popular feature for following and tracking subjects. Over time, it has evolved from version 3.0 to 5.0, and I’m here to highlight the key differences.

In version 3.0, the tracking technology was fairly basic but functional. However, when Active Track 4.0 was introduced in the DJI Air 2S, it brought significant improvements in stability and distance. My experience with version 4.0 has been generally positive, as it can intelligently recognize subjects and follow them at various speeds, angles, and patterns.

The latest version, Active Track 5.0, is available in the DJI Mavic 3 and the Osmo Mobile 6. Notably, 5.0 provides even more stable tracking and supports the front camera for a better understanding of the subject’s profile. In my testing, I’ve seen 5.0 track subjects with greater accuracy and smoother movements.

FAQ for Auto Follow Drones, Recognition Technology, and Sensors

Q: What is the Best Follow Me Drone in 2023?

A: The drones we recommend right now are the Skydio 2, Mavic 3, DJI Mavic Air 2s, Mavic 2 Pro, Mavic Mini 3 Pro, and DJI Phantom 4 Pro.

Q: How Does Auto Follow Mode Work?

A: A Follow Me Drone is a drone that is capable of tracking and following its user or other object, thanks to advanced sensors and tracking technologies such as GPS and obstacle avoidance.

Q: What are Active Track and Sensors in Follow Me Drones?

A: Active Track and Sensors are advanced tracking and sensing technologies that enable the drone to follow its subject accurately and safely, even in challenging environments and high speeds.

Q: What is the difference between the Mavic 2 and Mavic 2 Pro?

A: The Mavic 2 is a standard version of the DJI Mavic 2 drone, while the Mavic 2 Pro is an upgraded professional version that features a better camera with a 1-inch CMOS sensor.

Q: What is the best drone for sports?

A: The best drone for sports is a reliable camera drone with high-speed capabilities, excellent tracking, and sensing technologies, and a quality camera that can capture HD video, such as the DJI Mavic Air 2S or the Mavic 2 Pro.

Q: What is the Skydio 2?

A: The Skydio 2 is a drone with advanced sensing and tracking capabilities. The Skydio 2 is one of the most reliable Follow Me Drones on the market. Like the DJI lineup with the Mavic 2, this drone is known for its obstacle avoidance and tracking features, making it perfect for challenging environments. It is also easy to transport.

Q: What is Active Tracking and how does it work?

A: Active Tracking is an advanced feature in Follow Me Drones that allows the drone to lock onto its subject and follow it accurately, using advanced sensors and algorithms to maintain a safe distance and avoid obstacles. This means you can fly handsfree when you are looking to capture action footage of yourself skiing, surfing, skateboarding, or cycling.

Q: What is a gimbal on a drone?

A: A gimbal is a device on a drone that stabilizes the camera and reduces the vibration and shake caused by the drone’s movements, allowing for smoother and more stable footage.

Q: What is the DJI Go 4 app?

A: The DJI Go 4 app is a mobile application that allows users to control and monitor their DJI drones, access advanced settings and features, and view the live video feed from the drone’s camera, among other things.

Q: Can a drone follow you around using GPS?

A: Yes, many Auto Follow Drones use GPS to track and follow their subjects accurately over long distances, even when the subject is moving quickly and changing direction frequently.

When to get a Drone License?

If you are flying to make money you will have to get a drone pilot license. You will then need to register your drone as a commercial drone and make sure to follow federal, state, and local law. There are lots more steps to it, but luckily there are great drone license courses around that will carry you through the process.

Follow me drones present you with an awesome way to make action footage of your adventure, whether you are skiing, surfing, kiteboarding, snowboarding, cycling, running or just shooting the action at the skatepark.